Martha Cecilia

Peña

"Do it to it!" – Martha Cecilia Peña

Martha Cecilia Peña passed away on November 10, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on September 16, 1953, in Sinton, Texas, to parents, Isauro Garcia Jr. and Julia Sofia Kanter Garcia.

Martha will be remembered as a fun and loving woman whose life was marked by deep devotion to her family and a heartfelt passion for helping others. As a teenager, she served as a Candy Striper, an experience that sparked her desire to care for people and led to her work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Over the years, she dedicated herself to many careers, always bringing that same caring spirit to all she did. She also worked as a lunch lady at Portland Junior High, as a Personal Care Assistant, and while living in Venezuela, she was an ESL instructor.

Martha and her husband, Jose E. Peña, were united in Holy Matrimony in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, and were married for 49 years.

Martha’s proudest accomplishment was her children, and her love and devotion to them were at the heart of her life. She embraced her role as a mother and grandmother with immense love, generosity, and care. A dedicated provider, she often worked extra jobs to provide for her children—a reflection of her selfless heart and her commitment to her family.

Martha loved music and dancing. Those who knew her will fondly remember her contagious smile and laughter, especially at family gatherings, her spur-of-the-moment dancing, and the silly jokes she loved to crack. She found joy in the ocean’s waves and trips to the Frio River, but her greatest joy was being with her children and grandchildren. Her love extended to family and friends alike, and she leaves behind cherished memories of her warmth, playful spirit, and generous heart.

Martha is reunited with her parents, Isauro Garcia Jr. and Julia Sofia Garcia; siblings, Mary Elizabeth Garcia, Armin Abelardo Garcia, and Virginia Lee Garcia; and cherished grandmother, Julia Kanter. She leaves her memories to her husband of nearly five decades, Jose E. Peña; their children, Victor (Laura) Peña, Juliana (Ramon) Avalos, and Scotty (Shanee) Peña; grandchildren, Cassandra Peña, Lahna Lee, Ava Lee, Mia Lee, Kyla Lee, Mariela Avalos, Miliana Avalos, Sage Peña, Nayeli Peña, and Rhys Peña; siblings, Terry (Jose) Bazan, Emily Gutierrez (Mike Hauglie), Patty (the late Johnny) Curiel, Carlos (Sheila) Garcia, and Scotty Garcia; as well as numerous members of extended family and friends.

The Peña family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and doctors at University Health Hospital in San Antonio for their compassion and care.

Martha Cecilia Peña will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, her laughter, her compassion, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Funeral Services for Martha are pending at this time.

For those who wish to express their condolences, you are welcome to send flowers or sympathy gifts directly to the family using the button provided below. Additionally, you may share your heartfelt condolences with the family by adding an entry on the online guest book below.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home.

361-643-6564 | www.WinsteadsFuneralHome.com